Ever feel like you’re drowning in to-do lists and teetering on the edge of burnout? Believe me, sweet sister, I’ve been there. Running a business is no joke, and it can easily take over your life if you let it.

Add to that the fact that we are managing homes and families. It’s a lot.

That’s why I’m dedicating the next few weeks to a mini-series on preventing (or escaping) burnout. This week’s weapon of choice? The Never Again List.

Think of it as your personal business boundaries manifesto. These 3-10 non-negotiables guide every decision I make when taking on a new project or job. And let me tell you, this list is a lifesaver.

How it works is you put pen to paper and you take the time to write down the things you will never do again, things that hurt your mental or physical health, your family relationships, or your ability to have proper work/life balance.

Want to know some of the things on my list? They come from my corporate days when I was a workaholic with zero boundaries. (This is what led to my own burnout story.) I was working 7 days a week and felt like I was drowning.

Here is a sampling of mine:

• Work-free holidays, even if we aren’t getting together with anyone else or doing anything
• Work-free weekends (note: Saturdays are OK if I am in a launch, which is 3 times/year but Sundays are a never EVER)
• The work phone doesn’t leave my office – and it certainly never comes along for date night or vacations
• No laptop on vacations or at the kids’ events

As an extra tip – one of the best things I ever did was get a separate phone for work and have an office number/a number for clients to have. This enables me to put it in my desk drawer on Friday afternoons and I do not look at it again until Monday mornings.

Your turn! Grab a piece of paper and jot down a few things you want to have on your “Never Again List.”

What are the boundaries that will preserve your sanity and prevent burnout?

Here’s the beauty of this list: it extends far beyond business. You can use it when considering a new job, a volunteer opportunity, or even your kids’ fall activities (yes, you read that right!).

This isn’t just about work-life balance; it’s about fostering peace in your home, your relationships, and most importantly, within yourself.